Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Live In

Choosing a country to move to is the first step to beginning your new life abroad. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind when you pick a destination, such as security, job opportunities and of course, cost of living.

With the range of currencies and exchange rates, it’s difficult to tell how expensive or cheap life in a certain country is, particularly when you’re looking to go there for more than just a long weekend. So, what would you assume are the cheapest countries to live in?

In order to find the cheapest destinations, InterNations, the world’s biggest network for those living and working abroad, asked more than 14,000 expatriates from almost 200 countries to rate the cost of living in their new home. Here are the ten cheapest countries out of the 64 destinations included in the survey:

1. Ecuador

Foreigners find life in Ecuador rather affordable, with only three percent rating the cost of living negatively. Aside from being the cheapest destination, it is also the most popular country for expats around the world.

2. Poland

Poland is also considered to have one of the lowest costs of living, according to expats, with 84 percent rating this factor positively. Based on another ranking, Poland also places as the fourth most affordable country for accommodation, an additional benefit for those looking to live here.

3. Czech Republic

Only eight percent of expatriates rate the cost of living in the Czech Republic negatively. Considering it also takes eighth place in the Quality of Life ranking, this Central European country is one to keep an eye on.

4. Vietnam

Life in Vietnam has proved relatively affordable for just over 80 percent of the expatriates who call it home. A relevant fact to keep in mind, however, is that 60 percent of survey respondents say their household income exceeds the local average by far.

5. Thailand

It is not that surprising that Thailand places in the top five countries with a relatively low cost of living. Not only is it the seventh most popular expat destination and ranks fourth in the Personal Happiness subcategory, 36 percent of expats also find that life in this tropical paradise is very affordable.

6. Hungary

Two-thirds of respondents considered the cost of living before moving to Hungary. It seems to be common knowledge that life here is relatively cheap, with 30 percent of expatriates completely agreeing with this statement.

7. Mexico

Only eight percent of expats rate the general cost of living in Mexico negatively. Expats here appreciate their financial situation despite some negative rankings in regards to working hours and personal safety.

8. Romania

Not one respondent rates the cost of living in Romania very badly while26 percent of expats are indeed very satisfied with that factor. But Romania isn’t just an affordable country, but a welcoming one as well: it ranks 12th out of 64 destinations in the global Ease of Settling In Index.

9. Saudi Arabia

More than three-fourths of expats are generally satisfied with the cost of living in Saudi Arabia, while globally around half of expats would say the same about their country of residence. Financial reasons are indeed the primary motivation for moving there — 26 percent of respondents cited them as the most important factor influencing their relocation.

10. Indonesia

Not only is Indonesia among the friendliest destinations for expats worldwide, it is also one of the cheapest. 77 percent of expatriates are generally happy with the cost of living in general in Bali & Co, a much greater percentage than the global average of 50 percent.